What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?

An SDN configures, provisions, and manages network and application services through software rather than through specialised appliances.

SDN definition

Software-defined networking (SDN) uses software instead of specialised appliances to provision and manage network and application services, enabling programmable, scalable, on-demand application delivery and mobility. Centralised SDN systems automate configuration and provisioning of the entire network fabric without being limited by the constraints of the hardware. SDN intelligently monitors and automatically adapts the network to best serve current conditions.

Why SDN?

A software-defined network enables centralised, strategic network management. It protects the network, keeps traffic flowing smoothly, instantly troubleshoots issues, speeds app delivery, cuts costs, and increases resource flexibility from a single dashboard without ever touching a switch. It helps to innovate new apps, services, and revenue streams, and reduces the need for – and the costs and limitations of – purpose-built hardware while enabling consumption-based costs.

Why HPE for SDN?

The HPE SDN open ecosystem offers ready-to-go SDN applications to meet your immediate network challenges, and all the tools and support you need to create an intelligent, programmable, centrally-controlled network. Keep up with demands from cloud, security, mobility, and big data. Give users access while securing the edge. Give network administrators the ability to pinpoint, diagnose, and resolve network issues in real time. To start, simply download apps for specific services and reap the benefits of SDN in minutes.